Jesus Army Watch Information Archive

Recent News and Developments

In 2013 the Jesus Army appealed for victims of abuse to come forward. It is believed that around 150 cases have since been reported to them, including allegations relating to the late founder of the group, Noel Stanton

In 2015, Northamptonshire Police began "Operation Lifeboat", a JA led investigation into historic abuse within the Jesus Fellowship/ Jesus Army. Operation Lifeboat was created to invetigate cases of abuse which have been referred to the police by the Fellowship. There have been 2 prosecutions of ex-members to date.

In 2017, Mick Haines, the leader of the Fellowship admitted that the late Noel Stanton was in an “unaccountable position”, and "Noel had a flawed character", it is not yet known if there will be a full investigation into the allegations against the late Mr Stanton

In July 2017, five ‘apostolic’ leaders of the Fellowship stepped back from pastoral duties pending an investigation of their handling of the abuse allegations. Mick Haines (the senior pastor), Mike Farrant, John Campbell, Ian Callard and Huw Lewis.

In September 2017, it was reported that lawyers are representing around 40 ex-members of the Fellowship with the intention of a Civil Claim against the group

In Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association continues to work with professionals and the Fellowship trustees, supporting ex-members and bringing to light the abuses thay have suffered.

Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association

The Jesus Fellowship Survivors Association, a growing network of ex-members and services, is continuing to support and seek recompense for those affected by abuse during their time within the Fellowhship, further details and recent developments are available within their blog.

The group also maintain a number of facebook pages regarding different aspect of their ongoing work with ex-members.

Operation Lifeboat : Historic Abuse Investigation

Anyone wishing to contact the Northamptonshire Police investigation into historic physical and sexual abuse within the JA, can call 101 (full number 03000 111 222) and ask for the "Operation Lifeboat" team. Or call the 24-hour helpline run by the sexual assault referral centre, Serenity, on 01604 601713.

Civil Claims Case

Anyone wishing to contact the Lawyers representing the Civil claims case can visit their websites directly